Hypervisor Pairing

What does a hypervisor connection represent?

A hypervisor connection represents a single hypervisor or a "cluster" of hypervisors managed by a single management server (VMware vCenter).

It specifies a means to access the hypervisor or cluster along with the virtual machines inside it.

It also specifies a means to access the remote filesystem ("offload") to create new virtual machines for restore and screenshot verification functionality.

How do I know if a hypervisor connection represents a hypervisor or a cluster?

In the Hypervisor Connection Wizard, if the system displays a Cluster field on the Hypervisor Options pane, then it represents the selected cluster. In all other cases, it represents a hypervisor.

For existing hypervisor connections, you can go to the Hypervisor Connections page and check the ESX Connections. If the Type column says Cluster, then it represents a cluster. Otherwise, it represents a hypervisor.

For an existing hypervisor connection, how can I see which cluster it represents?

You can't currently. You should use a descriptive name for the hypervisor connection which indicates the cluster.

For an existing hypervisor connection, how can I see which host it represents?

You can't currently. You should use a descriptive name for the hypervisor connection which indicates the host.

Why do I have to enter a host if I'm only pairing a cluster?

To provide a means to access the Offload Method.

Why do I need an Offload Method?

The Datto appliance uses the Offload Method to create new VMs in the vCenter cloud. It does not use this method to perform the actual backup itself.

Can I skip adding the Offload Method If I've already paired it in another hypervisor connection?

No.

Can I pair just a host which is in a cluster?

No.

Can I pair the same cluster twice using different Offload Methods?

Yes. This is rarely needed, if ever, but it is allowed. Since the same cluster is paired twice, you will see the list of VMs twice in the "Protect a System" wizard -- once for each hypervisor connection.

How are the VMs listed in the "Protect a System" wizard?

The VMs are grouped by hypervisor connection name.

In most cases, a hypervisor connection represents a single hypervisor, and it lists the VMs managed by that hypervisor.

If the hypervisor connection represents a cluster (VMware vCenter), then it lists the VMs in that entire Cluster, which typically represent multiple ESXi hypervisors.